🏈 NFL - Game On

[InCali]

Bengals have REALLY helped themselves even before the draft and have to be considered one of the top contenders to come out of the AFC next season. They just signed right OT La'el Collins to a 3 year contract and have shored up their O line in a big way. Getting Karras and Cappa was an upgrade; even though they aren't considered top notch lineman, but Collins is a big step up if he can stay healthy. At this point, I think they focus on depth up front and can go in any number of directions in the draft. CB and interior D line or even the best player available are all in play in round 1.

Not a Bengals fan, but really, really nice work by the organization. With the upgrade in protection, Burrow, Chase, and Higg (don't forget Mixon) are gonna be a problem. Get your TE in the draft. There are some good ones out there.

 

[sycamore]

Bengals have REALLY helped themselves even before the draft and have to be considered one of the top contenders to come out of the AFC next season. They just signed right OT La'el Collins to a 3 year contract and have shored up their O line in a big way. Getting Karras and Cappa was an upgrade; even though they aren't considered top notch lineman, but Collins is a big step up if he can stay healthy. At this point, I think they focus on depth up front and can go in any number of directions in the draft. CB and interior D line or even the best player available are all in play in round 1.

Not a Bengals fan, but really, really nice work by the organization. With the upgrade in protection, Burrow, Chase, and Higg (don't forget Mixon) are gonna be a problem. Get your TE in the draft. There are some good ones out there.

Yeah, grats to them getting the job done in Free Agency. Burrow should finally have a decent line in front of him, and Mixon should be able to get some consistent blocking. Bengals can now relax a little and get ready to pounce on the BPA in the draft at the number 31 pick (ie. just pick some player thats dropped considerably for some reason, no matter his position).

Chiefs have to be looking around nervously. They've pretty much stood pat, while the Bills, Chargers and Bengals (and even the Raiders) have gotten significantly better.

 

[InCali]

Yeah, grats to them getting the job done in Free Agency. Burrow should finally have a decent line in front of him, and Mixon should be able to get some consistent blocking. Bengals can now relax a little and get ready to pounce on the BPA in the draft at the number 31 pick (ie. just pick some player thats dropped considerably for some reason, no matter his position).

Chiefs have to be looking around nervously. They've pretty much stood pat, while the Bills, Chargers and Bengals (and even the Raiders) have gotten significantly better.

Hey pal, watch it with the “even” Raiders comment. LOL. Don’t forget Denver either; although I’d like to.

 

[Ninjablade]

I guess this is decent news for me? I'll take the OL help, I just wish Brown could be a little more dependable. Either way, more security in front of Jones is always a good thing especially since he loves Brown.


Pats are also supposedly hosting Leonard Fournette and Ryan Bates today. Bates was pretty good down the stretch for the Bills OL, so I wouldn't mind that pickup. Fournette surprises me. He'd fit right in given his experience in Tampa, but I'd be surprised if Brady let him walk out the door given his trust in him.

 

[Ninjablade]

The QB movement continues

 

[InCali]

Yeah, grats to them getting the job done in Free Agency. Burrow should finally have a decent line in front of him, and Mixon should be able to get some consistent blocking. Bengals can now relax a little and get ready to pounce on the BPA in the draft at the number 31 pick (ie. just pick some player thats dropped considerably for some reason, no matter his position).

Chiefs have to be looking around nervously. They've pretty much stood pat, while the Bills, Chargers and Bengals (and even the Raiders) have gotten significantly better.

Question......a lot of teams don't put a lot of emphasis on the linebacker position and use their interior D line to keep them freed up and, therefore, relatively more effective. IMO, the biggest need at this point in time for the Bengals is at LB and think they should really consider that position with their #1 pick. Do you agree or do you maybe think they might want to go with a big NT or DT? While they could use some help at CB, they look much better on paper there than they do at LB. Are there any key returnees from the IR in 2021 that might help the Bengals pass rush? Do you think the Bengals might actually keep Ogunjobi after he failed his physical with Chicago? While he may take some time to heal, it might be a good long term strategy for them if they can get him for the right price.
That's a lot of questions LOL

 

[InCali]

The QB movement continues

Interesting. That's a good pickup for the Colts. He was scheduled to have a cap hit of almost 50M if he stayed with Atlanta.

 

[Boom]

The AFC:
Deshaun Watson
Joe Burrow
Josh Allen
Justin Herbert
Lamar Jackson
Matt Ryan
Patrick Mahomes
Russell Wilson
Trevor Lawrence

NFC:
Aaron Rodgers
Dak Prescott
Matt Stafford
Tom Brady

 

[Immortalfire]

The QB movement continues

 

[Ninjablade]

And 7 of my games next year are against those guys

Not to mention Kyler Murray.

 

[InCali]

The AFC:
Deshaun Watson
Joe Burrow
Josh Allen
Justin Herbert
Lamar Jackson
Matt Ryan
Patrick Mahomes
Russell Wilson
Trevor Lawrence

NFC:
Aaron Rodgers
Dak Prescott
Matt Stafford
Tom Brady

You forgot Daniel Jones.

And 7 of my games next year are against those guys

Not to mention Kyler Murray.

Look at the bright side. You could be in the AFC West.

 

[Boom]

Me, a Bengals fan: "I really like the Bengals' chances to go back to the playoffs next year!"

AFC: *Acquires Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Matt Ryan*

Me:

 

[Ninjablade]

Winston returning to the Saints. Not a lot of jobs left out there, and the good ones are all taken. I wonder what happens with Mayfield and Garopollo.

 

[InCali]

Me, a Bengals fan: "I really like the Bengals' chances to go back to the playoffs next year!"

AFC: *Acquires Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Matt Ryan*

Me:

Yeah....man, the AFC is just STACKED. That being said, I think the Bengals make the playoffs and very possibly win their division depending on the number of games Watson is suspended. With a much, much improved O line, I think it's a dog fight between them and the Browns (says Captain Obvious). Then you've got 4 teams in the west; any of whom could win everything if they avoid injuries, gel, and get on a roll. THEN you've got the Bills. That is 7 teams that should all make the playoffs in any reasonable reality. Miami looks to be on the upswing, but is a category below the others. Still, they could make some noise and cause some problems. If the teams in the AFC west kill each other, I could even see them possibly sneaking into the playoffs.

I can't think of the last time I saw so many talented teams in a conference and a division.

 

[InCali]

Winston returning to the Saints. Not a lot of jobs left out there, and the good ones are all taken. I wonder what happens with Mayfield and Garopollo.

REALLY good question. And, what can the Browns and Niners get for them? All of the teams that can reasonably make the playoffs in the AFC are set at QB. Mayfield to Seattle? I see Carolina going QB in draft, but they may want a guy for a year or 2. Atlanta looks like they'll be taking at least one year off, but they could definitely use someone. AJ McCarron?!?!?!?

Winston is a good signing for that money.

 

[Ninjablade]

It is kind of crazy. I mean realistically, you're looking at 13 teams that all have a chance at the making the playoffs in the AFC? Texans, Jets, and Jags are really the only ones I'd say are out of the conversation. Then at least 7 of those teams are legit SB contenders.

AFC playoffs should be a lot of fun. That first round bye is going to so imperative.

 

[InCali]

It is kind of crazy. I mean realistically, you're looking at 13 teams that all have a chance at the making the playoffs in the AFC? Texans, Jets, and Jags are really the only ones I'd say are out of the conversation. Then at least 7 of those teams are legit SB contenders.

AFC playoffs should be a lot of fun. That first round bye is going to so imperative.

Shoot. I forgot the Titans. One of those 7 I mentioned are going to miss the playoffs. Most likely an AFC West team. In a "normal" year, I would agree that probably 13 teams are potential playoff teams, but 2022 isn't going to be a normal year. I just can't see a Pittsburg, Baltimore, New England, etc.; sort of borderline playoff teams getting in against the competition they are going to see. Don't completely discount the Jets. They absolutely killed it in free agency and if they can hit on their early picks, they could fill in almost all the holes they had in their team (and there were a lot of holes LOL). I would actually put them, potentially, in front of a Pittsburg or a team similar to that. I can't see them making the playoffs, but think a 2nd place in their division is "possible".

 

[Immortalfire]

My fandom has ended

 

[InCali]

My fandom has ended

The Falcons were in a tough spot and ended up bailing out the Colts. Matty upgrades them at WR, but they still need help there. If I'm the Colts, I look down the line for my next QB, but this is a major upgrade over Wentz and on the cheap. Colts definitely got over on this one.

 

[Ninjablade]

My fandom has ended

On the bright side at least you've got... Marcus Mariota?

 

[InCali]

After thinking about it, a little more depth on the Wentz/Ryan trades by the Colts

Colts swapped (up) with Washington in the 2nd round.
Colts got their 3rd round pick this year
Colts got a conditional 3rd round pick next year (could be a 2nd)

Commanders got Wentz. LOL

Colts trade a 3rd round pick to Falcons for Ryan

Net result

Colts move up in 5 spots in round 2
Maybe move up in round 3 or stay in the same position (depending on which pick they traded for Ryan)
Get at least a 3rd round pick next year from a team that isn't going to be very good (Commanders) and maybe a 2nd rounder
Trade Wentz for Ryan

@DarthSkywalker who won?

EDIT: (Hint) Colts fleeced a couple of teams. This could not have worked out any better for them. I was completely blindsided by this and never saw it coming.

EDIT2: Just found out that the Colts traded their 3rd round pick for Ryan and kept the one they got from Washington. So, in addition, they moved up 9 spots in the 3rd round this year. Colts GM, Chris Ballard, ought to get 10 years in the slammer for felony theft.

 

[sycamore]

The Falcons were in a tough spot and ended up bailing out the Colts. Matty upgrades them at WR, but they still need help there. If I'm the Colts, I look down the line for my next QB, but this is a major upgrade over Wentz and on the cheap. Colts definitely got over on this one.

Yeah I like the move too for the Colts. Ryan is 36, but this is guy that took Tom Brady to the limit in a classic Super Bowl. A change of scenery might invigorate him, we shall see. That division is weak , and there for the taking if either the Colts or Titans decide to step up (ie. in terms of free agency/the draft).

 

[Karelia]

Where do Jimmy G and Mayfield end up now? Panthers, Seahawks, or Lions? This off season has been nuts.

 

[Immortalfire]

On the bright side at least you've got... Marcus Mariota?

Oh joy.

 

[P Supreme]

You forgot Daniel Jones.